Gambian authorities have charged twelve foreign nationals with drug trafficking after the country's Drug Enforcement agents uncovered three packages of cocaine worth over US$1 billion hidden in a warehouse.

The packages weighed over a ton.

The accused person: Varela Fernando, a Cape Verdean; Rudy Rasoalhamid Ghazi, a Dutch national; Godwin Barset, a Ghanaian/Sierra Leonean national; Maimuna Sesay, a Nigerian/Sierra Leonean national; Jorge Ivan Sanchez-Tabares, a Mexican/Liberian national;  Dennis Wilgo Winter, a Dutch national, Ephiam Micheal Chidubem, a Nigerian; and Juan Carlos Sanchez Eric Porping, Luis Dose Fermin, Esledan Zuala, George Ivan Sanchez Juan Carlos Diaz, all Venezuelans. They denied all the charges  before Magistrate Hillary Ubeke in Banjul on Wednesday.

Details of Charges

Count one: Conspiracy to commit an offense contrary to Section 53, Volume 1, Chapter (A) of the Drug Control Act. The statement of offense stated  that  the twelve accused  persons on or about 12^th May 2010, at  Brufut and other places within  the jurisdiction of the Republic of The Gambia, conspired to have in their possession three parcels of cocaine - a prohibited drug weighing 3 Kilograms 36G and thereby committed an offense.

Count two: Dealing in prohibited drugs for the purpose of supply by retail or whole sale; transport or transfer contrary to section 33, Volume 1,  chapter (C)  of the Drug Control Act 2003. The statement of offense stated that the twelve  accused persons on or about  12^th May 2010 , at Brufut  and other places within  the jurisdiction of  the Republic of The Gambia, conspired to have in their possession three parcels of cocaine - a prohibited drug weighing 3 KG 36G for the purpose of supply  by retail or wholesale, transport or transfer as an  occupation or business and  thereby committed an offense.

Count three: On or about  12^th May 2010, at Brufut and other places within  the jurisdiction of  the Republic of The Gambia, conspired to have  in their possession three parcels of cocaine - a prohibited drug weighing 3 KG 36G for the  purpose of trafficking and thereby committed an offense.

After the charges were read to the twelve accused persons, including a woman, they all pleaded not guilty. They accused persons were not represented in court by any attorney.

Chief Inspector Abdoulie Ceesay, Sub-Inspector Jallow and R. Jarju appeared for the State.

Magistrate Ubeke denied the suspects bail and ordered that they be remanded in custody. She however informed them that they should apply for bail at the High Court.

The case will resume on 30^th June 2010.